Wire wheel



E. A. NELSON Nov. 15, 1932.

WIRE WHEEL Filed March 15, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR fM/L f7. NELSON.

BY ,JA 7/ k/P/Wn ATTORNEYS.

Application invention relates particularly t wiels, and partioula v tothat type thereo known as wire wheels in which the rim an portions ofthe wheel are joined togethe by laced )OlS designed primarily to l G7 CDa wire wheel having spokes of new and novel construction; to provide anew and novel method of welding such spokes to'a wheel; to provide a newand novel method of locating the spokes of a wire wheel relative to thehub or rim sections during the process of welding the spokes to thewheel and rim sections; to provide a means for stiffening the spokes ofa wire wheel whereby to better permit them to transmit the load on thewheel by compressive stresses set up within the spokes; to provide awire wheel construction wherein the brake drum is utilized forstiffening the assembled structure; to provide a spoke for wire wheelshaving a new and novel end construction better adapting the same forwelding to a rim or hub section; and to provide other new and novelconstructions and methods of operation or manufacture that willhereinafter be specifically pointed out or will be apparent in thefollowing specification, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings, in which Fig. l is a fragmentary side view of a wire wheel.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a more or less diagrammatic fragmentary partially section viewillustrating the first step'in the welding of a spoke to its supportingmember.

Fig. 4; is an enlarged view similar to Fig. 3

supporting member at "i;

spok ant intermediate st of operation.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fin". shethe formation the spoke end afterthe CI. operation has been completed. Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 1showing modified form of construction.

7 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the method of formingthe rim shown in Figs. 5 and 6 in order to faci itate locating the spokeends with respect thereto during the welding operation.

Fig. 8 is a View similar to Fig. 6 showing a slightly modified form ofconstruction.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, partially sectioned view showingmore clearly the union between the spokes and the hub of theconstruction shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 7 illustrating the manner of formingthe rim for locating the spokes during the welding operation in theconstruction illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9.

It is conventional practice in the formation of wire wheels to provideheaded spokes which are passed through openings in either the hub or therim portion and which are anchored in such portions by means of theheads of the spokes engaging a surface of the same, and to provide nutmembers tlireadably engaging the opposite end of the spokes and theother of such members for the purpose of placing the spoke under theproper tension. It has lately been suggested, and particularly inconstructions adapted for use in connection with motor vehicles, to weldthe spokes to the rim and hub sections instead of employing theconventional method, It has been the general practice in employing thiswelding method to utilize spokes having a greater section than isnormally employed with the threaded type of spokes and, consequently, inwhich the spokes may, to a certain extent, transmit the load bycompressive stresses set up therein, although it is to be understoodthat the greater part of the load is carried by the spokes in tensionthe same as in the conventional threaded construction.

It has been my experience that in the constructions heretofore proposedfor employing welded on spokes, the method of welding employed hasnecessarily resulted in forming an apparent flash at the point ofwelding between the spokes and the rim or hub, and the removal of thisflash, in order to form a presentable finished product. has necessitatedthe expenditure of a relatively great amount of time and labor withresulting expense, and results in a product that is l more or lessinferior in appearance. One of the primary objects of the presentinvention, as above stated, is to provide a method of securing suchspokes by the welding process to the rim or hub members which Wllleliminate the presence of a flash that requires subsequent removal; thatwill facilitate the welding of the spokes to the rim or hub members;that will provide agreater bond between the spokes and the co-operatingmembers than in constructions heretofore proposed; and that will resultin a generally more efficient and more economical constructionthroughout. In addition I prefer to employ spokes of a size suflicientto act as struts and thereby take the load imposed on the wheel bycompressive stresses therein as well as tensile stresses.

In the accompanyingdrawings the above mentioned method is illustratedwith a wire wheel having a novel form of spoke lacing or arrangement ofspokes, designed to give maximum strength with minimum weight, thisbeing a further object of thepresent invention. Referring now to Figs. 1and 2 I show an axle shaft upon which is secured in a conventionalmanner a hub member-.21. The hub member 21 is provided with a radiallyextending flange 22 upon which is mounted*=.. a brake drum 23 ofconventional form. The

flange 22 is provided with an annular shoulder 24 which serves to locatea hub member 25 concentrically with the hub 21 by engaging the inturnedflange 26 of the hub member 25 as indicated. Bolts such as 27 extendingthrough the flange 26 and through the brake drum 23 thread into theflange 22 and serve to hold both the hub member 25 and brake drum 23 inplace upon the hub 21. The outer ends of the "hub 25 may be closedagainst the entrance of dust and dirt by means of a removable capstructure 28 of any suitable construction. Y

The particular rim structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is shown as what isgenerally known as a drop center rim, that is, the rim 30 is providedwith a central inwardly depressed channel portion 31 forming an annulargroove around the rim which facilitates removal of the co-operating tire(not shown) without the necessity of providing removable side flanges,as in other types of unsplit rims. The spokes of the wheel in Figs. 1and 2 are shown as being secured at one end to the front and rearcorners of the hub 25 and secured at their opposite ends to the innerand outer corners of the channel portion 31 of the rim 30. In accordancewith the present invention three series of spokes are employed andcomprises series of spokes a which extend from the outer corner of thehub 25 to the outer corner of the channel 31; all of these spokes lyingin a plane including the axial line of the wheel, so that viewed in sideView, as in Fig. 1, the spokes appear to extend radially of the wheel.The second series comprises the spokes b which extend from the innercorner or edge of the hub 25 to the outer corner or edge of the channel31 of the rim. The point of connection of the spokes b with the rim isremoved in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, from a planeincluding the axis of the wheel and passing through the point ofconnection of the corresponding 'spokes with the hub 25. As indicated inFig.

2, the spokes 6 preferably lie in a plane substantially normal to theaxial line of the wheel. The third series of spokes are the spokes q andthese spokes extend from the inner edge or corner of the hub 25 to theinner edge or corner of the channel portion 31 of the rim. The point ofconnection between the outer ends of the spokes 0 with the channelportion 31 of the rim is removed in a counterclockwise direction asviewed in Fig. 1 from a plane including the axis of the wheel andpassing through the point of connection of the corresponding spokes withthe hub 25. The inner ends of the spokes b and 0 are so spacedcircumferentially of the hub 25 as to provide ample clearance for thespokes b and 0 where they cross each other as viewed in Fig. 1.Furthermore I prefer the outer ends of each set or pair of spokes b andc to be secured to the channel 31 along a single line arallel to theaxis of the wheel, this being est shown in Fig. 1.

With this construction it will be apparent that I have provided aconstruction able to withstand relatively great torsional loads on thewheel, as well as relatively great side stresses upon the wheel, andthat in making the spokes of relatively greater size than is ordinarilythe practice, they serve as struts and are enabled to transmit arelatively great amount of compressive stresses which result in thecorresponding increase in the strength of the wheel as a whole.

It will be noted that each of the spokes a, 5 and 0 is provided at eachend with a smooth spherical head 35. This general shape of the head isan important feature in connection with the method of securing thespokes to the hub and the rim by welding, which is accomplished in thefollowing manner. Referring to Fig. 3 it will be noted that thespherical head- 35 is of substantially greater diameter than thecorresponding spokes c. In securing the spokes to the hub the head 35 isplaced nae-Twas against the corner of the hub as indicated.

it is to be noted, however, that the present method of securing thespokes to either the hub or the rim is equally applicable no 1nat ter towhat portion of the hub or rim the spoke is to be secured, it beingshown in Fig. 3 as being secured to a corner of the hub for the reasonthat it is the location of the spokes l desire in connection with thewheel shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in order to obtain maximum strength, aswell as to permit the line of force acting on the electrodes, presentlydescribed, to pass through the point of contact of the head and the hub25.

With the ball head 35 placed against the hue shown in Fig. 3 anelectrode 36 shaped to ht the inner surface of the hub 25 as shown splaced in position in line with the head35 l I er electrode 3?, providedwith an irrace fitting a portion or? the head is placed thereagains't asindicated in Fig. and suitable but relatively light pressure is led in aconventional manner to urge the eleorodcs 36 and 37 towarr each other.Cur rent is then applied to the electrodes 36' and 3? in theconventional manner, and due to the electrical resistance between theball 35 and hub 25 sui'licient heat is generated in the ball and in thehub to cause the metal thereof immediately adjacent the point of contactbetween them to melt and dilluse into each other, and thereby results inthe welding of the head 35 to the hub 25. It is to be particularly notedthat with this construction 35 when the current is first applied to theelectrodes 36 and 37 a minimum surface area between the ball 35 and hub25 is available and consequently a maximum resistance is prescut at thispoint to engender melting of the an metal. It will also be apparent thatas the metal of the ball 35 melts the area of contact between it and thehub 25 will increase, thus do cash g the resistance to the passage ofelectric-acurrent between the ball 35 and the hub ealre advantage ofthis phenomenon in order to obtain a perfect weld oli predetermineddimensions between each head 35 and hub or other member as the case maybe, by so limiting the electrical current passing oeiween the electrodes36 and 37 that when th surface of the ball 35 has melted a prederininedamount the area of contact between ball 35 and the hub 25 will havereached such an extent as to reduce the resistance between these twoparts to a value less than that required to generate sulficient heat tocause further melting of the metal.

In other words, as soon as the ball 35 has melted sufficiently toprovide an area of contact between itself and the hub 25 necessary for aperfect weld of the required strength, the resistance between the ball35 and hub 25 will have become so small that the heat gen erated by suchresistance to the passage of electrical current between the electrodes36 and 37 will have been reduced to a point insutficient to causefurther melting of the metal. It will, of course, be apparent that theparticular amount of contact area be tween the ball 35 and hub 25 atwhich the welding process will step may be varied as desired by simplyvarying the amount of current which is passed between the electrodes 36and 37.

In carrying out this welding process the metal at the point of junctionbetween the head and the supporting member becomes fluid and, due to thepressure upon the electrodes, flows outwardly, forming a sharp edgedflash such as is indicated at in l, and which is approximately evenlymade up of metal from both the heal 35 the supporting member. s will befrom an inspection oil A l fiash,unless i g l, taken care of in somemanner, would b gectionable in appearance, although it seen that throughits formation a area of welded surface between the head the supportingmember is provided. In ac cordance with the present invention this flashis rendered tree from objection from the appearance standpoint in thefollowing manner.

It will be understood from the above description that by the time theamount of flash indicated in Fig. 4 has been formed, the area of contactbetween the head and its co-operating member has increased to such anextent that no further melting of the metal will occur. However,immediately this amount of flash has been formed, the metal in theadjacent surfaces of the head and the support are extremely hot and haveapproached a fluid condition. Accordingly, immediately this amount ofdash is -formed 1 increase the pressure tending to force the electrodes3'6 37 together a sufiicient amount to ad or work the llash $0 down intocontact the support 25 as indicated in Fig. This operation causes theflash to form a fillet between the ball and the support which enhancesthe appearance of the connection. The operation is of courseaccomplished a very short interval of time and the mechanism for varyingthe pressure on the electrodes 3'8 and 37 may be automaticallycontrolled, whereby the light pressure is applied "for a predeterminedtime element necessary to form the flash and then increased to move theflash into contact with the support.

lt will be recognized that if the heavy pressure was applied while themetal was still fluid under the initial small contact area and resultinghigh resistance, a flash of such extent would be produced as to obviatesubse quent treatment thereof as indicated and that, therefore, theinitial pressure must be so controlled as to enable a flash of nogreater extent than may be treated as described to be iOIIDttd-"z Itwill, of course, be apparent that the result is a. connection not onlypleasing in appearance but of relatively. great strength and. I havefound that by-this method the weld .ismaterially. stronger than themetal of either the spoke or the support itself outside ofthe-weld. 1

Another, feature that maybe noted is that with this construction theline of pressure through the electrode contacting against the head. maybe so directed that it passes throughth'e point of initial contactbetween the head and the hub or other member, and thisis extremelyimportant in the instance noted for it thus eliminates any tendency ofthe head to shift on the hub during the welding process, and whichshifting might tend to set up either compressive or tensile stresses inthe spoke whichwould thereafter affect the true contour of the finishedwheel. Thus, in a wheel manufactured in accordance with the presentinvention asdescribed, no subsequent truing operation is required.Furthermore it will be noted that this construction permits simpleone-piece electrodes of cheap and easily cooled formation to beemployed, whereby the tool cost and tool upkeep in manufacture are aminimum.

Referring, back to Fig. 2, it will be noted that in accordance with thefurther object of the present invention I prefer, after the spokes havebeen welded to the hub and rim to place the wheel in a lathe or othermachine and face 0d the ball ends at the inner ends of the spokes a, band c in a plane normal to the axis of the wheel so as to provide aplurality of fiat seats for contact with the drum 23, thus acting toclamp the drum more' evenly to the flange 22 of the hub 21 upon assemblyas indicated.

T In Fig. 6 I show a slightly modified form of spoke lacing. In thisconstruction I provide'one series of spokes F which extend radially inside view the same as the spokes a of Fig. 1, and, as viewed in Fig. 6extend from the outer edge of the hub 25 to a point adj acent the inneredge of the rim 45, the rim in this case being shown of a conventionaltype having a single integral side flange 46 and a removable splitflange ring 47 at the opposite side. I then provide a series of spokes gwhich extend outwardly from the hub 25 in a clockwise direction asviewed in side view, corresponding to the spokes 0 of Fig. 1, the outerends of the spokes 9 being joined at points adjacent the outer edge ofthe rim 45. I then provide a third series of spokes h which extendoutwardly from the hub 25 to the rim 45 in a counter-clockwise directionas viewed in side view, in the same manner as the spokes b in Fig. 1,and the outer ends of these spokes join the rim 45 adjacent the inneredge of the same and in opposed relation to the point of junction of thespokes g with the rim 45. The result of this construction issubstantially the same as that described in connection with Figs. 1 and2, with the exception that perhaps it is a little stronger due to thefact that the spokes g and 71. extend to opposite sides of a planenormal to the axis of the wheel and passing through the point ofjunction of the spokes g and it with the hub 25 and at an equal angle oneither side of such planes.

in additional feature is shown in this figure for the purpose of aidingin the manufacturing of the wheel. As best indicated in Fig. 7, it willbe noted that the rim 45 is provided with a plurality of projections 48'on its inner surface, these projections being spaced in the circle inwhich the outer ends of the spokes are joined to the inner edge of therim 45 and being spaced around the rim in accordance with the spacing ofthe spokes on such circle. In operation, the outer ends of the spokesare welded to the projections t8, the "projections 48 thus serving as ameans for locating the outer ends of the spokes in proper relation tothe rinr45 both circumferentially of the rim and axially thereof.

In Fig. 6 will be noted a "further feature' In this case the ball ends35 of the spokes are so faced OK on their inner side, and the brake drum23 is so formed, that when the wheel is assembled with the brake drumthe beveled portion 50 of the brake drum contacts over its length withthe spokes it, the brake drum thus serving to stiffen the spokes forthis portion of their length and permitting them to better "withstandcompressive stresses set up therein.

A further modification of means for locating the ends of the spokesrelative to the rim and the hub is indicated in Figs. 8, 9 and 10. Inthis case, as best illustrated in Fig. 10, instead of employingprojections such as 48 in Fig. 7 the r m 45 is provided with apertures52 located in the same manner as described in connection with theprojections 48, and thus serving to locate the ends of the spokesrelative to the rim and the hub. In this construction as indicated inFig. 9, when the head or ball end 35 is welded to its co-operatingmember, shown in Fig. '9 as the hub 60, the metal of the ball 35 inmelting runs into and fills-the corresponding aperture 52 ase clearlyindicated in Fig. 9, and thus serves to provide a more secure unionbetween the spoke and its co-operating member.

It will be noted that the spoke lacing in Fig. 8, as well as theformation of the hub itself, is slightly different from that illustratedin Fig. 6', the spoke lacing more nearly approaching the constructionshown in Fig. 2. In other words. spokes 7', corresponding to the spokesa in Fig. 2, and spokes f in Fig. 6 extend from the outer end of the hubto the outer end of the rim 61, which is shown as of the same type asrim 45 in Fig. 6. The

While I have shown a particular form of spoke lacing in the drawings, itwill of course be understood that as far as the method of securing thespokes in place is concerned, I do not limit myself to any specific typeof lacing construction, as it will be obvious that this method ofsecuring the spokes in place is equally applicable to any type of lacingconv struction.

While I have shown and described the heads on the spokes 9 beingspherical in shape, it will be apparent that this is not entirelyessential to the proper practice of the present invention, but that suchheads may be made egg-shaped or otherwise modified, the only necessitybeing, as far as the present invention is concerned, that these heads beof materially greater diameter than the spokes or rods upon which theyare formed, and that the surface thereof which contacts against themember to which they are to be secured extends in a smooth and unbrokencurvature away from such point of contact an amount sufiicient to insureany flash that may appear, to be formed from the smooth and unbrokensurface of the head. In other words, I do not desire any sharp edges onthe head which are so positioned that the metal forming the same willbecome fluid during the welding process and form a part of the flash,for in such case the formation of the flash will be engendered at suchsharp edge and will become unmanageable in the manner described inconnection with the flash illustrated in Fig. 4. This interpretation ofthe term employed for designating the head will, therefore, be takeninto consideration in the interpretation of the following claims.

,These and other formal changes may be made in the specific embodimentof the inven tion described without departing from the spirit andsubstance of the broad invention, the scope of which is. commensuratewith the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination, a rotatable hub, a brake drum secured thereto forequal rotation therewith, a wire wheel secured to said hub forequalrotation therewith and comprising a hub shell, a rim and spokesinterconnecting the two, the inner ends of at least a part of saidspokes being welded to said hub shell adjacent the inner end thereof andbeing provided with enlarged heads at their points of connection withsaid hub shell, said heads I being faced ofl' on the inner end of saidshell in a plane normal to the axis of said shell,

and means for clamping said faced off sides against said brake drum.

2. In a wire wheel, a hub and a rim interconnected by spokes, the spokeshaving enlarged ends with angularly disposed faces on each end insurface welded engagement with complementary angularly disposed faces ofthe hub and rim.

3. In a wire wheel, a hub and a rim interconnected by spokes, the spokeshaving enlarged ends with concave portions, the hub and rim presentingconvex shoulders seated within the concave portions of the enlargedspoke ends.

4. In a wire wheel, a hub and a rim interconnected by spokes havingenlarged ends, the connection between the spokes and the hub and rimbeing convex shoulders of the hub and rimseated within and welded toconcave portions of the enlarged s oke ends.

EMIL A. N LSON.

